The Ukraine war divides the football world.
Andriy Yarmolenko (32) called on Russian footballers via Instagram to take a clear stand against the war. In a video, the ex-BVB star (2017 to 2018) and one of the captains of the Ukrainian national team called on their colleagues.
The ex-Dortmunder: “I have a question for the Russian internationals: Boys, why are you sitting there like stupid people and not saying anything? In my country they kill people, women, mothers, our children. But you say nothing, you comment nothing.”
Yarmolenko, who stressed that he knew many international players from Russia, continued: “You all told me that it shouldn’t be the case that your president behaves incorrectly. So guys, you have an impact on people, show them, I beg of you. It’s time to show your elbows – in real life.”
The war at home is very close to the offensive player. After the Russian attack, Yarmolenko asked his club West Ham for time off as part of his family lives in Ukraine.
As Ukraine legend Andriy Shevchenko (45) announced on “Sky Sports”, Yarmolenko is now flying to Poland to collect his family.
Shevchenko: “His wife was in Ukraine with one of his children and they crossed the border into Poland. Andriy will fly to Poland to get her.”
In addition to his concern for his family, Yarmolenko used his time off to campaign for an end to the war on social media.
Already on Tuesday he had shared a video with compatriot Oleksandr Zinchenko (25) from Manchester City and other Ukrainian footballers on Instagram. The football stars asked for international support for their home country.
